Looking for the ultimate comfort meal? This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a rich and satisfying twist on a classic dish! Juicy, flavorful meatballs are simmered in a velvety, creamy tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Creamy – The tomato sauce is blended with cream for a smooth, luxurious texture.
Tender, Juicy Meatballs – Packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.
Easy & Family-Friendly – Simple ingredients, big flavors, and loved by all ages!
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water & salt (for boiling pasta)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Finish Cooking the Meatballs
- Return the seared meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating evenly.
- Serve with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips for the Best Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated versions.
Don’t Overwork the Meatballs – Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
Sear First, Then Simmer – Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce locks in flavor.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If too thick, add a splash of pasta water; if too thin, simmer longer.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Add Mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms in the sauce for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Lighter Option – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze sauce and meatballs separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and meatballs in advance, then reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great for a leaner option while still being delicious.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of juicy meatballs, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes every bite irresistible!
Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 620mg
Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Looking for the ultimate comfort meal? This Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a rich and satisfying twist on a classic dish! Juicy, flavorful meatballs are simmered in a velvety, creamy tomato sauce and served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water & salt (for boiling pasta)
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Finish Cooking the Meatballs
- Return the seared meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, coating evenly.
- Serve with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated versions.
Don’t Overwork the Meatballs – Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
Sear First, Then Simmer – Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce locks in flavor.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If too thick, add a splash of pasta water; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
